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In this dissertation I argue that Cyril of Alexandria's interpretation of "spiritual circumcision" provides invaluable insight into his complex doctrine of salvation. Spiritual Circumcision - or Circumcision by the Spirit -- is a recurring theme throughout his extensive body of exegetical literature, which was written before the Nestorian controversy (428). When Cyril considers the meaning and scope of circumcision, he recognizes it as a type that can describe a range of salvific effects. For him, circumcision functions as a unifying concept that ties together various aspects of salvation such as purification, sanctification, participation, and freedom. Soteriology, however, can only be understood in relation to other doctrines. Thus, Cyril's discussions of circumcision often include correlative areas of theology such as hamartiology and Trinitarian thought. In this way, Cyril's discussions on circumcision convey what we are saved from, as well as the Trinitarian agency of our salvatio
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In this dissertation I argue that Cyril of Alexandria's interpretation of "spiritual circumcision" provides invaluable insight into his complex doctrine of salvation. Spiritual Circumcision - or Circumcision by the Spirit -- is a recurring theme throughout his extensive body of exegetical literature, which was written before the Nestorian controversy (428). When Cyril considers the meaning and scope of circumcision, he recognizes it as a type that can describe a range of salvific effects. For him, circumcision functions as a unifying concept that ties together various aspects of salvation such as purification, sanctification, participation, and freedom. Soteriology, however, can only be understood in relation to other doctrines. Thus, Cyril's discussions of circumcision often include correlative areas of theology such as hamartiology and Trinitarian thought. In this way, Cyril's discussions on circumcision convey what we are saved from, as well as the Trinitarian agency of our salvatio
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